Trevor Savory

In early 2013, frontman Asif Illyas resurfaced from the ashes of MIR with his solo debut Synesthesia. This is an album not beholden to the typical trappings of east coast music, but one which manages to bring together world music elements in the vein of a Peter Gabriel, or a Midnight Oil (see “Slave 2 […]

With the release of Birthmarks, 2013 marks the third studio release for Toronto-based Born Ruffians. Before the play button had been pressed, the preconceived notion was that this would be some sort of reggae effort (nothing other than the band name sounding vaguely like Eddy Grant’s Born Tuff would lend credence to this notion), which could […]

Somewhere along the way Mike Trask invested wisely in a Delorean, and if you need proof, Jamboree II: 24 Cents is it—another recording of Trask’s that demands it be played from a dusty turntable. In an age where digital production buffs out any imperfections, Jamboree II doesn’t bear any of those digital fingerprints. This album feels old-timey […]

Those Words Just Seem to Explain is the latest effort from Halifax four-piece Savoury (no relation), who at times bear a striking audible resemblance to The Northern Pikes, and also invoke The Gin Blossoms in the way that leader Mark Savoury delivers “Break Me.” One of the standout tracks here is “Pickin’ Up the Pieces,” […]

Somewhere between Rich Terfry and Marshall Mathers lies Halifax rapper Sampson. Elements of both aforementioned artists abound throughout the solo debut Ill-Mannered. Tracks such as “3 the Hard Way,” “Greatest Story Ever Denied” and “Venomous” just go to prove that this talented emcee is no joke, he’s here to stake his claim in the diverse […]

Clocking in at under 24 minutes, Club Stoic’s Sticky EP is a brain melting affair.  It’s a trippy electronic adventure through a hazy neon dreamworld, infused with notes of Jazz and Ambient Electronica. “Light Pollution” feels like the dawn after a long twisted night, but slowly reveals itself to be something of a nightmarish mirage which […]

Looking 4 Myself is the seventh studio release from the fella who introduced the world to the Biebs, Usher Raymond. Clocking in at a little over an hour, 18 tracks of Usher’s brand of pop-infused R&B is fairly grating by the end of the record. The first three singles “Climax,” “Scream” and “Lemme See” are […]

Same Old Feeling is not flashy or over-produced, it’s an album that will quickly put a smile on your face, as it harkens back to a time before the recording industry wrung out the heart and integrity in favour of payola. Jim Henman (founding member of April Wine) has recorded an album that is completely void […]

Fans of the Halifax Mooseheads will already be familiar with Brite-VU’s material, as “Electric Avenue” and “One Foot” were featured in Eastlink’s promos during their recent playoff run. Both tracks appear on Restarted, the second full-length release from the Halifax based-band. Fans of bands such as Tonic, Matchbox 20 and 3 Doors Down will feel right at […]

Reclusive, enigmatic, talented—all words that describe Ryan Adams, an artist who seems to be forged from the same mold as Neil Young. Ryan Adams bears an artistic integrity not found on many albums, his “my way or the highway” mentality may not garner him the adulation of the masses, but the albums are definite critical successes. Ashes […]